National Senior Citizen’s Day in the US

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older — places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity.”

— President Ronald Reagan

Elderlies or the Senior Citizens, deserve all the love and respect in the world. Thanks to the late US President Ronald Reagan for declaring August 21 of each year as the National Senior Citizens Day in the United States of America; under proclamation 5847 on August 19, 1988. The celebration aims to recognize contributions senior citizens make in communities across the country.

How is National Senior Citizens Day observed in the US?

National Senior Citizens Day was established to honor senior citizens in the US who made positive contributions in their communities. The day was also created to bring awareness of social, health, and economic issues that affect senior citizens. This is an observance and not a public holiday in the US.

Some people spend time with the senior citizens they know to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day. Various events and activities are also organized to raise awareness of supporting older people and recognizing their achievements. Some people raise awareness through social media and news stories, while others organize special community gatherings inviting senior citizens, their families, friends and volunteers. Some businesses give special discounts or deals and promotions to senior citizens on or around August 21.

National Senior Citizens Day may also be a good day to volunteer at a retirement home and share smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor during the day.

There are a lot of ways to let our elderlies know that they are appreciated and loved. Let’s make the most of this day to let them feel their importance and the difference they have made in today’s world.

I love this!! As a healthcare worker who has worked with the elderly for 20 years, I look forward to this every year. I try to plan fun things for my clients. They have so much to teach us and I tell everyone to listen closely to their stories because you can definitely learn a lot from them. Celebrate them daily and take good care because one day we will be them!

I love the idea of a special day to celebrate our senior citizens. Before your post I had never heard of this day of observance before. Thank you so much for giving me a heads up about it in advance. I’m going to think of some special way I can celebrate the seniors in my life on August 19.

It’s bad that I didn’t know such celebration existed. I have great respect for those who spent their lives working hard to make ours easier, there is still so much to learn from them and such day should be celebrated every month!

I love my oldies (my grandparents) Although, they’re already gone I could clearly remember the best childhood days with them. So, let’s celebrate to our grandpas and grandmas while they’re still still living they deserve it more than ever.